Internet addictions: A real medical menace?

Mon Mar 24, 2008 12:20PM EDT

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Alcohol, drugs, food, sex, and even shopping are all candidates for medical treatment and are recognized as genuine mental disorders, so what about the Internet? Internet addiction -defined as "excessive gaming, sexual pre-occupations, and email/text messaging" - is becoming so common that at least one psychiatrist says it merits inclusion in psychiatry's official handbook of mental illness, the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders."

Dr. Jerald Block of the Oregon Health and Science University is the latest voice pushing for this inclusion, noting that tech junkies display genuinely debilitating behavior, including drug-like cravings, withdrawal, and a constant need for more and better gear - just like a substance addict might exhibit.

But other doctors comment that Internet addiction, while it may be real, is too new of a condition and needs further study before being medically classified. There might be something to this: No one wants people being medicated or institutionalized if they aren't genuinely ill.

The "Manual of Mental Disorders" won't be published again until 2012, but an early draft will arrive for public comment in 2009. Meanwhile, mind docs say the problem is growing, now possibly affecting up to 10 percent of Internet users. Recent studies are surprising, indicating the problem is worst not among game-obsessed teens, but rather among middle-aged women who stay at home, constantly on the computer as a way of connecting to the outside world.

Is computer use (or computer downtime) causing a problem in your life? If so, you might be an addict. But you'll have to wait a few more years to find out for sure.

POLL: How many hours a day are you on the Net? 

Comments on Internet addictions: A real medical menace?

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  • 7 Posted by stadelmaier on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:39PM EDT Report Abuse

    The number of mentally ill people is directly proportional to the number of psychiatrists. Which came first the chicken or the egg? The mad person or the mad-doctor?

  • 9 Posted by sparkle123001 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:35PM EDT Report Abuse

    I think this addiction to the computer is due to a lack of social contact like in the good old days when people wrote to each other and visited. Now the instant message is there.

  • 11 Posted by totallydaft33 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:18PM EDT Report Abuse

    Lol, after I read this article, i felt a bit depressed, but then after reading all these comments, I started laughing so hard and I felt better and I'm proud to say that: I AM AN ADDICT!!!

  • 12 Posted by mspriveye on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:29PM EDT Report Abuse

    Huh, I just do this to see if I have heard from a relative or friend...to search for information on a need to know basis and most of all as a procrastination tool. Beyond middle aged housewife, who rarely has time to interact with anyone outside the family and the seniors/care providers.

  • 13 Posted by swg_babe on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:52PM EDT Report Abuse

    Well, I'm more devoted then addicted... and I can stop whenever I want!!

  • 16 Posted by dw_3dgraphics on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:50PM EDT Report Abuse

    Would you believe that this was a serious factor in my marrige! It even helped lead to my divorce and I believe it is even mentioned in my divorce papers or at least touched on in front of the judge at one point. Its a serious problem and add stress and causes harm like anyother addiction. It should be taken more seriously

  • 17 Posted by katiewrae on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:47PM EDT Report Abuse

    Hi, My name is Katie and I am an addict. I am a stay at home mom. I have to have a moment with the computer at least once a day, which can last up two hours.

  • 18 Posted by gks422 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:09PM EDT Report Abuse

    "Internet addiction -defined as 'excessive gaming, sexual pre-occupations, and email/text messaging' " (That quote is from the article.) The BIG one that is not included in this excerpt is simply *surfing*! With billions of sites and great enablers like "StumbleUpon", what is an addict to do? :-\

  • 20 Posted by leb_bap on Thu Sep 3, 2009 6:47PM EDT Report Abuse

    I think cell phones are probably more addictive....especially all of the texting you see people doing!

  • 22 Posted by buddy67us on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:15PM EDT Report Abuse

    I agree that the worst addicts are middle age single women! their is no respect in the term housewife anymore. this day and age the term "Housewife" = "Internet Skank".

  • 23 Posted by armandgarcia_15 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:57PM EDT Report Abuse

    Its not really an addiction its just a lack of "self discipline" thats all so there's nothing to worry about, and must not be added to the list of addiction.

  • 24 Posted by booksdates on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:11PM EDT Report Abuse

    Yes, I'm an addict. Internet escort sites, however I am not going to transfer my cash into some "Dr." from India who needs to pay his mortgage or car payment. No chems or yack therapy for me. Instead, I'll take a session with a beautiful female escort. Much more satisfying both mentally and physically.

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